BMW CSL History

The CSL is based on the 3.0 CS coupe. In the early 70's BMW realized
that it could not fulfill its sporting ambitions without preparing a lighter,
high-performance CSL (the "L" suffix signifying "leicht" or
German for "lightweight"). The CSL was homolgated and then sold
with a full set of "wings" to create aerodynamic downforce and cut
uplift.

In September 1972, BMW produced the first of its CSL lightweight derivatives,
which offered an aluminum hood, trunk lid, and doors in left-hand drive, with
little in the way of luxury equipment. The CSL label needed only 1000 cars
to pass as far as the factory was concerned for homologation purposes. BMW
made a total of 1096 complete cars.

Series 1 - (serial numbers within regular coupe production, 169
cars). Very much modified 3.0CS coupe with no changes to the drivetrain.
2985 cc carbureted engine.

Series 2 RHD - (serial numbers 2285001-2285500, 500 cars).
Right-hand-drive cars produced for sale in the United Kingdom. These cars
were re-equipped with much of the equipment which had originally been removed to
make them lighter. UK-market CSLs came with CSi-specification steel
bumpers, glass rather than Plexiglas side-windows and a more luxurious (closer
to standard CSi-level) interior.

Series 3 - (serial numbers 2275430-2275539, 110 cars). Commonly
referred to as the Batmobile. Engine displacement increased to 3153
cc. In addition to the larger engine, Series 3 cars were in some cases
(though not always) supplied with a package of aerodynamic appendages so
dramatic that the name "Batmobile" was soon applied. That
package consisted of a very large rear wing, a more traditional rear spoiler and
front fender spats. Although almost certainly overkill for the street,
those components (which were now homologated for production racing) proved
enormously valuable in competition. All Series 3 and Series 3.5 cars (see
below) were finished in either Polaris silver or Chamonix white.

Series 3.5 - (serial numbers 4355001-4355057, 57 cars). Also
Batmobiles, these cars are essentially identical to the Series 3 cars, but
incorporated several minor (and mostly cosmetic) changes.